European Union foreign affairs and defence ministers have reached an agreement on a two-billion-euro plan to raid their stockpiles and jointly purchase desperately needed artillery shells for Ukraine.

European Union foreign affairs and defence ministers have reached an agreement on a two-billion-euro plan to raid their stockpiles and jointly purchase desperately needed artillery shells for Ukraine.

Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Liberty reporter, wrote on Twitter that the EU foreign ministers approved the Josep Borrell initiative. It aims to provide Ukraine with one million shells in the next year and replenish EU stocks.

"Deal among EU foreign minister on the ammunition plan for Ukraine," Jozwiak wrote.

White smoke: deal among EU foreign minister on the ammunition plan for #Ukraine

— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) March 20, 2023

The agreement details have not yet been made public. Before the meeting, however, Borrell expressed hope that the countries would approve his proposal worth 2 billion euros.

Previously, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had detailed that (Ukr) it is, first, to ensure the immediate delivery of more artillery ammunition. Second, to aggregate demand in Europe and fast-track the procurement of 155 mm ammunition. Third, to support the rapid ramping-up of manufacturing capabilities of European defence industry.

European diplomats said to dpa that the ambition was to supply one million rounds over the next year.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, participated remotely, emphasised that artillery ammunition was the top priority.